Whats New:
Video tutorials (lectures) now available on some of the most complex and technical firestopping reference documents
Video tutorials have been made available online from Firewise Consultants covering the following firestop topics:
UL GuideInfo Section XHEZ - Through Penetrations
UL GuideInfo Section XHBN - Fire Rated Joints
ASTM E2174 and E2393 Overview - Firestop Special Inspection
IFC Recommended Firestop Destructive Testing Techniques
Curtain Wall Perimeter Gap Firestopping
These tutorial videos provide useful explanations and elaborations of a few of the most complex and technical documents in the IFC's Special Inspector online certificate program Reading List. Each document's instructional video lasts from 40 minutes to 1 hour. Each such video is available for viewing for $15. You can access the library of firestop video tutorials at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/firestop . The IFC does not receive any revenue from the pay-per-view purchase of these videos. We make you aware of them here as a service to those seeking to broaden their learning options, from a recognized expert instructor.
Video tutorials have been made available online from Firewise Consultants covering the following firestop topics:
UL GuideInfo Section XHEZ - Through Penetrations
UL GuideInfo Section XHBN - Fire Rated Joints
ASTM E2174 and E2393 Overview - Firestop Special Inspection
IFC Recommended Firestop Destructive Testing Techniques
Curtain Wall Perimeter Gap Firestopping
These tutorial videos provide useful explanations and elaborations of a few of the most complex and technical documents in the IFC's Special Inspector online certificate program Reading List. Each document's instructional video lasts from 40 minutes to 1 hour. Each such video is available for viewing for $15. You can access the library of firestop video tutorials at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/firestop . The IFC does not receive any revenue from the pay-per-view purchase of these videos. We make you aware of them here as a service to those seeking to broaden their learning options, from a recognized expert instructor.
State of Kentucky Plumbing Code adds requirement for special inspection of plastic pipe firestopping
The Kentucky State Plumbing Code has added the requirement that plastic piping in buildings >45 ft. high must include a special inspection of the firestopping for those pipes, in accordance with inspection standard ASTM E2174. The state code can be accessed at http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/815/020/060.htm .
The relevant text is extracted below:
(b) Plastic pipe and fittings may be installed in a building in which the plumbing system exceeds forty-five (45) feet in height if the installation complies with all of the requirements established in subparagraphs 1. through 3. of this paragraph.
1. The use of PVC and ABS piping shall be limited to schedule 40 or 80 produced and labeled as ASTM D2665 and D1784 for PVC piping and ASTM D2661 for ABS piping.
2. The installation of the plastic pipe and fittings (PVC or ABS) shall be made in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which shall be made available to the inspector.
3. Firestop systems shall be inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 by an approved inspection agency.
The IFC is pleased to be able to help facilitate this recent new inspection mandate by providing online training and certificate exam to special inspectors needing to conduct these inspections.
An IFC firestop product familiarization training seminar is scheduled for Lexington, KY for July 21 to further train inspectors. Register at www.regonline.com/FirestopProductsKY .
The Kentucky State Plumbing Code has added the requirement that plastic piping in buildings >45 ft. high must include a special inspection of the firestopping for those pipes, in accordance with inspection standard ASTM E2174. The state code can be accessed at http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/815/020/060.htm .
The relevant text is extracted below:
(b) Plastic pipe and fittings may be installed in a building in which the plumbing system exceeds forty-five (45) feet in height if the installation complies with all of the requirements established in subparagraphs 1. through 3. of this paragraph.
1. The use of PVC and ABS piping shall be limited to schedule 40 or 80 produced and labeled as ASTM D2665 and D1784 for PVC piping and ASTM D2661 for ABS piping.
2. The installation of the plastic pipe and fittings (PVC or ABS) shall be made in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which shall be made available to the inspector.
3. Firestop systems shall be inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 by an approved inspection agency.
The IFC is pleased to be able to help facilitate this recent new inspection mandate by providing online training and certificate exam to special inspectors needing to conduct these inspections.
An IFC firestop product familiarization training seminar is scheduled for Lexington, KY for July 21 to further train inspectors. Register at www.regonline.com/FirestopProductsKY .
UL publishes document explaining differences in air duct protection listings
There has been some confusion in the marketplace with regards to which UL listings for fire-resistance-rated or fire-protection-rated air ducts provide which type of protection.
To provide clarity, UL has published a document that helps explain the differences between their air duct protection listing categories HNLJ and HNLN. The document explains which test standards are used for each listing category, and the application limits for each listing category. It can be viewed at this link.
In particular, users are cautioned that listings in category HNLN may not provide an insulation rating, in which case ducts would need to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches (46 mm) to any nearby combustible or limited combustible materials.
There has been some confusion in the marketplace with regards to which UL listings for fire-resistance-rated or fire-protection-rated air ducts provide which type of protection.
To provide clarity, UL has published a document that helps explain the differences between their air duct protection listing categories HNLJ and HNLN. The document explains which test standards are used for each listing category, and the application limits for each listing category. It can be viewed at this link.
In particular, users are cautioned that listings in category HNLN may not provide an insulation rating, in which case ducts would need to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches (46 mm) to any nearby combustible or limited combustible materials.
Intertek Qualified Firestop Inspector Program (IQP)
The IFC strongly encourages those special inspectors who do firestopping for a majority of their time to seek out the additional training and accreditation, as provided by the Intertek IQP program. See http://www.intertek.com/IQP/firestop-inspector/ for complete information on this program.
Briefly summarized, to be accredited in the IQP program, the inspector will need the following:
Inspectors who become accredited through the Intertek IQP program are listed at the Intertek website, have photo ID cards that identify them as such, and have unique stickers that they can/should use for every penetration or joint inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 and E2393. The Intertek IQP truly differentiates the most highly competent special inspectors available.
The IFC strongly encourages those special inspectors who do firestopping for a majority of their time to seek out the additional training and accreditation, as provided by the Intertek IQP program. See http://www.intertek.com/IQP/firestop-inspector/ for complete information on this program.
Briefly summarized, to be accredited in the IQP program, the inspector will need the following:
- IFC Premier Certificate (as described at www.firestop.org/inspection )
- Attend a 1-day, hands-on, how-to-inspect firestop seminar instructed by or approved by the IFC (see schedule below)
- Apply to Intertek, providing proof of a) and b) above
- Schedule a field audit by Intertek
Inspectors who become accredited through the Intertek IQP program are listed at the Intertek website, have photo ID cards that identify them as such, and have unique stickers that they can/should use for every penetration or joint inspected in accordance with ASTM E2174 and E2393. The Intertek IQP truly differentiates the most highly competent special inspectors available.
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January 2013:
FIRESTOP SPECIAL INSPECTIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED IN THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC): Chapter 17, section 1705.16 of the IBC requires that all firestopping is inspected according to two ASTM standards ASTM E 2174 and ASTM E 2393. These standards are also utilized when jurisdictions require firestop special inspections on large projects prior to adopting the 2012 IBC. For more understanding of this trend feel free to contact the IFC. info@firestop.org |